Welcome to The Arnold Expedition Historical Society
The Arnold Expedition Historical Society is a 501(c)3 corporation established in 1973 in anticipation of the bicentennial of the expedition in 1975. It then organized and carried out the only large-scale reenactment of the “March to Quebec” ever undertaken. Today, the society owns land and historic easements along the route of the expedition.
The headquarters of the AEHS is the Major Reuben Colburn House in Pittston, Maine. Build in 1775 the house is now a State of Maine Historical site.
The society also maintains hiking trails along the route of the expedition. The Arnold Expedition Historical Society has erected trail signs. An example is this one found on West Carry Pond near Arnold Point. The Appalachian Trail follows the Great Carry Route and is the only section of the AT to follow a Revolutionary war route.
Every season we always strive to refresh our signage and add new signs that will enhance the overall education of the public as they hike these trails.
The society also maintains hiking trails along the route of the expedition and works to collect and document information about the expedition and its participants, and the preservation of artifacts.
For yesterday's trail clearing we gathered roadside, shared coffee, doughnuts and conversation until Bob Donovan stepped forward and told us all where to go. Go work, that is.
So, with our assignments we headed for various trail sections. The Trilliums (Stinking Benjamins, a lot of the purple ones) were just poking their heads out. The trail blow-downs were few, and the rain held off until after we finished our lunch at the White Nichols cabin on Middle Carry Pond. The bateau stored there made a fine table, work platform and jungle gym.
Reid was our youngest volunteer. He brought his own loppers and didn't forget his work gloves.
Bob Donovan made sure the outhouse was up-to-par by way of a good sweeping and quick vacuum job.
June 19th, show up in Winthrop and strut your stuff!
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HEAR YE! Hear Ye! Trail Clearing May 9th - just days away.
It seems the map link broke on our earlier post. We're not sure why, but here's a new map. Just a quick note - we've been known to do a fair amount of trail clearing with off and on showers. It takes a real rain to stop us 🙂
Opportunities Abound!
If you enjoy walking in the woods and take great satisfaction in snipping branches and tossing debris to the side, then you are just the person we want!
The AEHS Trail committee is seeking volunteers for the annual Great Carrying Place Portage Trail clean-up day. If you own loppers or just a pair of gloves, we want you!
You will have the opportunity to help clear the portage trail of winter debris where Arnold’s army marched 251 years ago this fall, and to discuss the Arnold Expedition with like-minded patriots while you snip away.
We will meet on May 9 at 9 AM on Carry Ponds Road, on the west side of the Kennebec River, north of Pleasant Ridge Plantation. www.google.com/maps/d/edit...
MEETING DETAILS:
DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Carry Ponds Road (West side of the Kennebec River)
RAIN DATE: Sunday, May 17
At noon, we will gather at the AEHS cabin on Middle Carry Pond to enjoy the bag lunches you brought from home.
DIRECTIONS:
Travel via US 201 to Bingham, ME. At the south junction of Maine Highway 16, turn west onto Route 16 and immediately cross the Kennebec River. At the end of the bridge, turn right (north) onto the unnumbered highway (Pleasant Ridge Road).
It is 12 miles partially on dirt roads to the gathering location; plan on a full 25 minutes from the bridge. Where the road forks, bear right onto the Carry Ponds Road. Drive about 8 miles to a turnout where there is an AEHS sign on the right side of the road.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Bob Donovan at 858-5015 or Norm Kalloch at 628-4023.
See you there!
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1S5WhAqY0vSte81P8gK5etro3VO-GPrs&usp=sharing
Trail Work Day, Carry Pond Road Starting Point - Google My Maps
www.google.com
MEETING DETAILS: DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2026 TIME: 9:00 AM LOCATION: Carry Ponds Road (West side of the Kennebec River) RAIN DATE: Sunday, May 17 At noon, we will gather at the AEHS cabin on Middle Ca...
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Newsletter Archive
Click here to explore our archive of newsletters and announcements, dating back to our founding 40 years ago.
Make sure to visit our video and audio booth.
Click here to read more news!